Pentagon chief's NATO audit puts Italy's defense burden in focus

Reuters reported on June 18 that Hegseth harshly criticised some NATO members over defence spending and their stances on the Iran war as he announced the review. The Pentagon chief's language—suggesting that some countries will "fail" the assessment—signals that the Trump administration is prepared to reshape the U.S. military footprint on the continent based on political and financial criteria.

Italy's position is complicated. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed this week that Rome has declined to fund the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) scheme, under which member states purchase U.S. weapons for delivery to Ukraine. That decision, reported by Defense News on June 19, reflects Italy's attempt to constrain its defense spending even as Washington signals it expects greater burden-sharing from European allies.

The timing of Hegseth's review coincides with broader tensions between Rome and Washington. The Meloni government has publicly clashed with the Trump administration over the Middle East, Italy's refusal to participate in U.S. military support for Ukraine, and personal disputes between the leaders. Le Monde reported on June 22 that Italy rallies behind Meloni after Trump targets her, though the country fears trade retaliation. The Pentagon's reassessment of U.S. forces in Europe may now become another lever in that fractured relationship.